Neuroprotective Effect of Cinamomum zeylanicum in streptozotocin induced diabetes in Mice

Background: Diabetes is recognized as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality and representing as an emerging global epidemic worldwide. Diabetes and stroke both are the conditions which share various common threats. A patient with Diabetes has higher risk of stroke as compared to non Diabetics. Diabetes and stroke both affects the blood vessels. There are several biochemical pathways which are responsible for the developments of vascular complications due to hyperglycemia. Thus prevention and treatment of diabetes and stroke can reduce the risk of various vascular diseases. Cinnamomum zeylanicum has been used for the treatment of diabetes since long time. Cinnamomum zeylanicum rich in phenolic contents (antioxidants) have been identified as a major active component exhibiting antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. The present study evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum in streptozotocin induced diabetes in mice and experimentally induced global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice. Materials and methods: Swiss albino mice (male) weighing 20-30 g were randomized into eight groups. Diabetes was induced by administering streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.p).Starting from seven days after streptozotocin injection, insulin and Cinnamomum zeylanicum were administered for 3 weeks. Serum glucose level and body weight were measured weekly. Neuroprotective activity was carried out by global cerebral ischemia on swiss albino mice by carotid artery occlusion for 10 min followed by 24 hr. reperfusion. Measurement of Triglycerides, Malondialdehyde , cerebral infarct size and glutathione level was carried out at the end of the study. Results: After 21 days of treatment with Cinnamomum zeylanicum (75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, p.o) significant increase in body weight and glutathione level and a significant reduction in serum glucose level, triglycerides, MDA levels and cerebral infarct size was observed as compared to diabetic control and diabetic+ stroke group. Conclusion: The present study concludes that Polyphenolic fraction of Cinnamomum zeylanicum not only attenuates the diabetes but also reverse the cerebral infarction in mice through its neuroprotective actions and thus Cinnamomum zeylanicum may serves as a new therapeutic alternative for management of brain damage associated with type-1 diabetes